Everything You Need to Know Before You Start the Disney College Program – Season 7, Episode 3
ON THIS EPISODE OF THE DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM PODCAST
Welcome back to season seven of the Disney College Program Podcast! On this episode, meet Colin, a Disney College Program participant who works in Magic Kingdom Fantasyland attractions! Colin breaks down the timeline of the beginning of his Disney College Program — from what he did to prepare before move-in to his onboarding and training experience.
Tune in to learn more about what to expect in the first few days on your Disney College Program!
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ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Colin is a Disney College Program participant from Maryville, TN. He attended Maryville College and graduated in 2025 with a degree in Theatre Studies. He participated in its choral department and was a student ambassador for the admissions office.
Disney has always been a huge part of his life, particularly the Disney Princesses. The music, stories and magic have all inspired him from a very young age. He applied to the Disney College Program on a whim before graduating, and it quickly became one of the best decisions he’d ever made. He is currently on his first program, making magic in an attractions role at Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland.
Before Disney College Program Move-In
Before Colin flew from Tennessee to Florida for his Disney College Program, he wanted to be as prepared as possible to make move-in a breeze!
“I packed like a month in advance just because I was that excited,” Colin said.
Getting your bags in order at least a couple days before you travel is a great idea! That way, you have plenty of time to double check you have everything you need to be successful on your Disney College Program.
Colin didn’t know any other incoming Disney College Program participants, so he joined Facebook and Instagram pages to make friends to meet up with during arrival week!
Through social media, Colin found people with similar interests to him and others in his attractions role, which made move-in easier.
Week One Round-Up
You’ve made it to Flamingo Crossings Village, checked in, moved into your apartment…what’s next?
Follow the schedule you received via email a few days before your arrival date! This schedule will be your go-to guide with formal welcome sessions, Traditions and training included, as well as their locations.
Make sure to follow this schedule exactly — these sessions are mandatory and arriving late or missing one could negatively impact your Disney College Program status.
Flamingo Crossings Village will also host social events for new Disney College Program participants, so be sure to check your email proactively during week one. You might even get the chance to meet some characters like Colin did!
Training Success Tips
Starting any new job can be a challenge — especially one in an environment as fast-paced as Walt Disney World.
Colin said it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed while training and it’s important to remember others are feeling the exact same way.
“People who have been there for years — when they started out, it was overwhelming,” Colin said. “It’s a lot to learn all at once, especially if it’s your introduction to the company.”
Colin’s advice is to be open to change in this new environment where you’ll be constantly moving required to make quick decisions.
It’s also important to always pay attention to details while you’re working, especially in a safety critical role like attractions.
“Even if it’s a little thing you wouldn’t think matters, like someone having a fanny pack on while sitting in the train, stuff like that really matters,” Colin said.
His last piece of advice for succeeding in training is to remember it’s okay not to be perfect right away. Take in all the information you’re given, do the best work you can while prioritizing safety and know your trainers aren’t expecting you to do everything right immediately.
“They just have to see if you can do it, if you’re going to get the hang of it,” Colin said. “They’re not looking for me to be a spot-on, 100% cast member tomorrow.”
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